How to use the board

You don’t need any special training to use it.

When you are talking, simply point to one or two of the important words or symbols on the board while you say them aloud.

For example:

“Do you want MORE?”
Point to MORE while saying the sentence.

Or:

“Let’s GO outside.”
Point to GO as you say it.

You don't need to point to every word you say. Focus on the important words.

Model, rather than test

Children learn language by seeing and hearing other people use it.

The same applies to AAC.

Rather than asking a child to “find” or “say” something using the board, show them how the board can be used naturally during everyday interactions.

There is no expectation that a child must copy you or use the board.

By modelling words repeatedly and in meaningful situations, we give children opportunities to learn what the symbols mean and how they can use them to communicate.

Communication is about more than requesting

AAC can be used for lots of different reasons, including:

• asking for something

• saying no or stop

• commenting

• asking questions

• telling someone what you think

• sharing news

• directing someone

• starting a conversation

• telling someone how you feel

Try modelling different types of messages rather than only words such as want and more.

 

Follow the child's lead

Talk about what the child is already interested in or doing.

If they are playing with a car, you might model:

GO
FAST
UP
DOWN
CRASH
HELP

You can say a complete sentence while only pointing to one or two key words.

For example:

“The car went UP the hill!”

 

Most importantly

There is no perfect way to use an AAC board.

Talk, point, model and have fun.

Every time a child sees someone communicating with AAC, they are learning that their communication system is valued and that there are many different ways to have a voice.